COMMERCIAL NEWS - New superliners for Sydney

Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited, the second largest cruise holiday company in the world, has revealed plans to double their presence in Australia, the NSW Government said.

NSW Minister for Ports and Waterways, Paul McLeay and Minister for Tourism, Jodi McKay congratulated Royal Caribbean on their multimillion dollar expansion announcement.

The company will base two superliners, Rhapsody of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas, in Sydney from October 2011. According to the State Government, these two ships alone will bring more than 30,000 international tourists to Australia.

McLeay said the news will result in large economic benefits to the State.

"This is a multimillion investment from an internationally successful company. Plainly speaking, it means more economic growth for NSW," said McLeay.

"Royal Caribbean will bring 30 ships through our port in 2011/12. This alone brings $30m into the economy from ship-related costs. On top of that is the spending from the 30,000 tourists. As you can see, the economic benefits are tangible and significant.

"Sydney is obviously a destination of choice because of our beautiful harbour, but also because of the great infrastructure we have and the services we provide.

"We’re the only city in Australia with two terminals dedicated to servicing the growing cruise industry. This is because we recognise it’s an important growth industry for the state," McLeay said.

McKay said the move confirmed Sydney’s position as Australia’s premier international cruise-ship destination.

"This is fantastic news for Sydney and is a strong vote of confidence by industry in Sydney’s potential for growth in this important tourism sector," said McKay. "The NSW Government remains committed to supporting the cruise industry in Sydney and other ports like Newcastle."

Gavin Smith, Royal Caribbean Cruises Australia managing director, said the company was extremely pleased with its experiences in Sydney.

"The move is not only a demonstration of the strength of the local cruise market, it also shows the clear demand from American and European visitors to experience Australia from one of our cruise ships," said Smith.

"The market has been identified by our Miami head office as having significant potential for growth, and Sydney as a very good port from which to base our operations down under," he said.

BACKGROUND NOTES

* Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 21 ships currently in service and one under construction.

* Royal Caribbean Radiance of the Seas will be Australia’s first 21st Century superliner, making it the newest, largest and most modern ship to be based in Sydney.

* Radiance of the Seas is 293m in length, carries 2100 passengers and has a range of state-of-the-art entertainment and luxury options for customers.

* Radiance of the Seas and sister ship Rhapsody of the Seas tour Australian and South Pacific waters.